CN111670302B - Configuration of wind turbine controllers - Google Patents
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- CN111670302B CN111670302B CN201880088480.8A CN201880088480A CN111670302B CN 111670302 B CN111670302 B CN 111670302B CN 201880088480 A CN201880088480 A CN 201880088480A CN 111670302 B CN111670302 B CN 111670302B
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- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 110
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 47
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
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- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010687 lubricating oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008672 reprogramming Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001502 supplementing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
- F03D13/30—Commissioning, e.g. inspection, testing or final adjustment before releasing for production
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/04—Automatic control; Regulation
- F03D7/042—Automatic control; Regulation by means of an electrical or electronic controller
- F03D7/047—Automatic control; Regulation by means of an electrical or electronic controller characterised by the controller architecture, e.g. multiple processors or data communications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/0264—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor for stopping; controlling in emergency situations
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/04—Automatic control; Regulation
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- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
- G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2230/00—Manufacture
- F05B2230/80—Repairing, retrofitting or upgrading methods
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for configuring a wind turbine. The wind turbine comprises at least one controller arranged to control the functions of the wind turbine, and a data storage unit arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller. The method includes detecting a connection between a programming-enabling key and a connection interface based on the presence of the programming-enabling key in proximity to the connection interface; initiating a programming mode, wherein the control unit is enabled to receive controller specific data or wind turbine specific data from which said controller specific data can be determined; and obtaining the controller specific data or the wind turbine specific data via a manual action or via a trusted data source.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to wind turbines, and in particular to a method for setting up a control system of a wind turbine, for example in connection with commissioning.
Background
Wind turbines are highly complex computer controlled systems that typically include a plurality of controllers arranged to control the functions of the wind turbine. The controller includes a computer device that processes a computer program to perform a function.
Meanwhile, a manufacturer of wind turbines may have several different wind turbine types and different configurations for each type. Each different wind turbine may require a different computer program, or the computer programs may need to be set differently to ensure proper control of the wind turbine functions.
Incorrect setting of the controller may lead to poor performance or critical situations which may even lead to damage of wind turbine components.
The requirements for proper configuration of the controller may occur at the time of commissioning and after commissioning (e.g. in connection with maintenance or upgrades).
Since there may be a large number of different wind turbine types, the configuration of the controller (e.g. programming of the controller) may be time consuming, complex and may increase the risk of configuration errors.
Because of the potential risk of serious damage or personal injury, the procedure for setting up a wind turbine may need to meet standardized requirements (e.g. regulatory requirements).
Thus, the challenge is that different types of wind turbines require different configurations. Accordingly, there is a need for a method of ensuring reliable, safe and simple setup of a wind turbine controller.
WO2013/182197A1 discloses a control system for a wind turbine, the control system comprising a plurality of controllers distributed in the wind turbine or the wind power plant, and a plurality of data storage units, each data storage unit being arranged at a respective predetermined location in the wind turbine or the wind power plant and being connected to the controllers arranged at the same location, wherein each data storage unit comprises operation information relating to a predetermined location in the wind turbine or the wind power plant, and wherein each controller is configured to read the operation information of the corresponding data storage unit and to determine its function from the operation information.
WO2013/182197A1 discloses a method for improving settings of a wind turbine controller. However, the inventors of the present invention have realized that an improved solution is beneficial and have devised the present invention accordingly.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to improve a wind turbine, such as to improve a method for configuring a wind turbine or a wind turbine controller, such as to configure a programmable or electronic controller. In particular, there is a need for a configuration method that provides a reliable, safe and simple configuration of a wind turbine controller.
In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising at least one controller arranged to control a function of the wind turbine, and a data storage unit arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller, the control system comprising:
a connection interface arranged to connect with a programming enabling key in dependence of the presence of said programming enabling key in the vicinity of said connection interface,
-a control unit arranged to detect a connection between the programming-enabling key and the connection interface and to initiate a programming mode in response to the detection, wherein the control unit is enabled to receive controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data from which the controller-specific data can be determined.
A control system comprising the at least one controller, the data storage unit, the connection interface and the control unit can be similarly envisaged.
The wind turbine may comprise a single controller or a plurality of controllers arranged to control one or more functions of the wind turbine. Such functions may include yaw control, pitch control, lubrication control, temperature (such as the temperature of the lubricating oil, generator, and power converter) monitoring, and some other functions. A single controller may support multiple functions or multiple functions may be supported by multiple controllers.
The data storage unit stores controller-specific data for the at least one controller. The controller-specific data may include operating parameters required to process a controller-specific computer program installed in at least one of the controllers. For example, such parameters may include thresholds, temperature limits, data defining the wind turbine blade (e.g. length), other parameters required to control the wind turbine function. Thus, the functions performed by the at least one controller may comprise different functions. For example, a first controller may be dedicated to performing a first function, while a second controller may be dedicated to performing a second function.
The wind turbine may comprise one or more data storage units for storing controller specific data. One data storage unit may store data for a plurality of controllers or for a plurality of functions supported by the at least one controller. Similarly, the plurality of data storage units may store data for the plurality of controllers or for a plurality of functions supported by the at least one controller. Thus, a plurality of data storage units may store data used by a single controller.
The data storage unit or units are associated with the at least one controller to enable data transfer. That is, a data storage unit is communicatively associated with the at least one controller such that data may be transferred to and/or from the data storage unit to the controller. The data storage unit may be a removable data storage unit and/or the controller may include one or more of the data storage units. For example, the data storage unit may be configured as a memory stick that is connectable with an associated controller directly or via an electrical connector, cable or electronic circuit. Typically, the data storage units are capable of being communicatively connected via electrical connections (e.g., wired and/or via electrical connectors), optical connections (e.g., via optical connectors and/or optical fibers), wireless connections (e.g., via RF communications or optical connections) to receive and/or transmit data. Alternatively, one or more of the data storage units may be integrated with the controller (e.g., as an electronic memory dedicated to storing the controller-specific data).
The connection interface may be configured in various ways; examples include a socket arranged to mechanically and e.g. electrically, magnetically or optically connect with the programming enabling key and the wireless connection interface. The electrical connection may include a switch or other electrical connection (such as a connection between an electrical connector between the receptacle and the programming enable key). The wireless connection interface may be based on radio frequency communication (e.g. RFID technology, electromagnetic induction or magnetic connection such as reed switches).
The programming enable key is compatible with the connection interface and supports the connection method described above or other methods. For example, the programming enable key includes a conductive portion that establishes a detectable electrical connection between pins of the receptacle when the programming enable key is inserted.
The programming enable key may be a dongle (i.e., a device that interfaces with the connection to provide functionality in terms of a detectable connection).
The connection requires the presence of a programming enable key. The presence may be established by a contact (such as an electrical, magnetic or optical contact) between the contact interface and the programming-enabling key. Alternatively, the presence may be satisfied when the programming-enabled key is in close proximity to the connection interface (e.g., as required by wireless radio frequency identification technology such as RFID methods).
This presence requirement may further reduce the risk of incorrect startup into programming mode and/or provide incorrect controller specific data. This may occur if a connection between the connection interface and the programming-enabled key is established using a method that does not require physical presence or physical proximity. For example, if it is possible to use a connection interface (such as a computer-implemented interface) in the control unit that operates as a virtual interface, a connection may be established via the virtual interface at a distance (e.g., via an internet connection with a programming-enabled computer), which may or may not be limited by the access code, to control which data is programmed via the programming-enabled key. Whether or not the connection is properly established and whether or not data is properly entered, the absence of a person in the vicinity of the wind turbine increases the risk of providing erroneous controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data to the control unit (e.g. because the person responsible for providing the controller-specific data and/or the wind turbine-specific data does not see detailed information of the wind turbine configuration).
The control unit may be comprised by the at least one controller of the wind turbine or the control unit may be different from the at least one controller. In response to the detected connection, the control unit initiates a programming mode, wherein the control unit is enabled to receive controller specific data or wind turbine specific data from which the controller specific data can be determined.
The control unit is advantageously a single control unit comprising a digital processor or computer arranged to handle the detection and programming modes of contact. However, the control unit may also comprise a distributed controller and a computer. To the extent that it is designed to provide a high reliability capability, the control unit is preferably a safety controller to provide a safety function that greatly reduces risks to humans and the turbine itself. Such a safety controller also has the property of entering a safety state in case of a failure, e.g. an internal failure of a processor or other controller element.
Advantageously, the programming mode is performed at the location of the wind turbine. In this way, the at least one controller or data storage unit need not store any controller or wind turbine specific data. Alternatively, the data specifically required by the at least one controller may be provided at commissioning of the wind turbine. This simplifies production and reduces the risk of incorrect wind turbine configurations.
According to an embodiment, the control unit is arranged to process the controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data such that the controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data is stored in the storage unit. During or after the programming mode, the control unit is responsible for transferring the specific data such that they are stored in one or more data storage units. The processing may include transmitting the data to the at least one controller, the at least one controller transmitting the received data to the data storage unit.
Advantageously, the control unit may be configured to process the controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data, including transmitting it to the at least one controller or data storage unit, while the programming-enabling key is engaged with the connection interface (possibly after completion of receipt of all specific data). By requiring that programming be completed while the programming enable key is engaged and that the operating mode be changed immediately upon enabling or disabling the programming enable key, complete isolation between the programming state and the operating state is ensured. If programming is merely queued or merely initiated, and the programming enable key is turned off, the following may occur: the parameters available for modification in the programming mode can be modified at any point in time, thereby creating an uncertainty in the state of the safety-critical system. In addition, the lack of isolation between the programmed state and the operational state greatly increases the risk that software errors in the programming functions of the control unit or other controller may result in accidental and potentially dangerous reprogramming.
According to an embodiment, the connection interface is arranged to connect with the programming enabling key in dependence of contact and/or wireless communication between the programming enabling key and the connection interface.
The control unit may be configured to enable the contact and/or wireless communication to detect the connection. Thus, the program enable key may need to be present at least in the vicinity of the connection interface to initiate the programming state. Advantageously, this limits the risk of accidental activation of the programming mode by requiring the presence of a user.
According to an embodiment, the control unit controller comprises or is connectable with a user interface, wherein the user interface is arranged to receive the controller specific data or the wind turbine specific data via a manual action. The manual action may comprise manual input data or other man-machine interaction for the purpose of providing controller specific data or wind turbine specific data to the control unit.
According to an embodiment, the control unit comprises or is connectable with a data interface, wherein the data interface is arranged to receive the controller specific data or the wind turbine specific data via a connection with a trusted data source. The trusted data source may be a computer device or an electronic processing or storage device that has been previously security checked. For example, the trusted data source may be a memory stick, which is connectable with the data interface and which is capable of transmitting controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data to the control unit via the data interface. The trusted data source may also be a server or computer device remote from the wind turbine, wherein the stored controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data has been validated and can only be transferred to the data interface in response to entering a password or via other manual reception.
The control unit may be configured with both the user interface or be configured to be connectable with a user interface and the data interface or be configured to be connectable with a data interface, so that the user has two possibilities to provide data to the control unit.
Advantageously, the user interface improves security and reduces the risk of the control unit receiving erroneous data. For example, user data entered into the user interface may be double checked (e.g., by different personnel) to ensure that the data is correct. In the same way, the data comprised by the trusted data source may have been manually verified to ensure high security.
The control unit may advantageously be configured such that data transfer from the user interface or data interface is allowed at least after detecting that a connection between the connection interface and the programming-enabling key has been established, and possibly only when the connection is continuously detected.
According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to be set to a preprogrammed mode enabling the control unit to detect a connection with the programming enable key. For example, it may be necessary to enter a password via a user interface associated with the control unit to initiate the preprogrammed mode.
According to an embodiment, the control unit is arranged to put the wind turbine into a safe mode when the control unit is in the preprogrammed mode. For example, in response to initiating the preprogrammed mode, the wind turbine may be brought into the safe mode (if the wind turbine is not already in the safe mode). The safety mode may include turning off all active systems such as heating systems, power converters, various actuator systems such as pitch and yaw systems. The safety mode may include an initial step of prohibiting the rotor from rotating (e.g., by pitching the blades to a feathered position).
According to one embodiment, the data storage unit is configured as a detachable data storage unit such that data transfer between the data storage unit and the at least one controller is possible only when the data storage unit is connected to the at least one controller. Advantageously, when the data storage unit is a removable unit, the at least one controller may be replaced without replacing the data storage unit (e.g., in connection with planned service replacement or repair). In this way, a newly configured data storage unit with controller or wind turbine specific data may not be needed. By storing the identification data, the data storage unit is location specific (i.e. associated with a specific location or a specific controller of the wind turbine). Furthermore, since the data storage unit may store identification data defining the function of the associated controller, the replaced controller may be a generic controller which is programmed based on the location specific data after installation in the wind turbine controller. Thus, the same general controller may be used for controlling different functions of the wind turbine.
According to one embodiment, the controller specific data includes operating parameters required to process a controller specific computer program installed in at least one of the controllers. The controller-specific computer program is a computer program or algorithm that includes the computer instructions required by the controller to perform the intended function. The controller-specific computer program uses the controller-specific data, or possibly the wind turbine-specific data, in order to perform the correct function for a given wind turbine configuration.
According to one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to transmit a controller specific computer program to the at least one controller before the control unit is enabled to initiate the programming mode. Since the computer program is a general-purpose program (i.e. the same program for different wind turbine configurations), the installation of the controller specific computer program may be performed independently of the presence of the programming enabling key. The installation of the controller-specific computer program may be performed based on the identification data stored in the data storage unit. For example, the identification data may be a unique identifier for a computer package intended to be installed on a controller associated with a data storage unit storing unique location specific data.
Thus, according to one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to communicate the controller specific computer program to the at least one controller in accordance with identification data pre-stored in the data storage unit.
According to an embodiment, the control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wind turbine comprises a plurality of data storage units, wherein each data storage unit is associated with a specific controller of the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the associated data storage unit and the specific controller.
According to one embodiment, the control unit is arranged to stop the programming mode and to start a safety mode if the control unit detects an opening of the programming enabling key before the programming mode is completed. Thus, it is expected or unexpected that removal of the programming enable key will immediately stop programming the control unit with controller or wind turbine specific data and allow restarting the normal safety function after the restart procedure. The restart procedure may include a restart of the at least one controller being programmed due to contact with a programming enable key, or a substantial restart of the at least one controller and possibly other affected controllers.
A second aspect of the invention relates to a wind turbine comprising:
at least one controller arranged to control the functions of the wind turbine,
-a data storage unit arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller, and
-a control system according to the first aspect.
According to one embodiment, each data storage unit is physically connected to a specific location of the wind turbine. For example, each data storage unit may be physically connected to a location associated with the controller with which the data storage unit is associated. For example, the data storage unit may be attached to a location near the associated controller by wires or the like or near a location including, for example, a connector for the data storage unit, wherein the connection is communicatively connected to the associated controller by wire or wirelessly. In this way, it is ensured that the data storage unit is not confused with other data storage units or is lost.
A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for configuring a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising: at least one controller arranged to control the functions of the wind turbine; and a data storage unit arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller, the method comprising
Detecting a connection between a programming-enabling key and a connection interface based on the presence of said programming-enabling key in the vicinity of said connection interface,
-initiating a programming mode in response to the detection, wherein the control unit is enabled to receive controller specific data or wind turbine specific data from which the controller specific data can be determined, and
-obtaining said controller specific data or said wind turbine specific data via manual action or via a trusted data source.
In general, the various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be combined and coupled in any way possible within the scope of the invention. These and other aspects, features and/or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
Figure 1 shows a wind turbine which,
figure 2 shows a wind turbine with a plurality of controllers, a plurality of data storage units, a control unit, and a computer network and data exchange connecting the controllers,
FIG. 3A illustrates a control system included with a wind turbine, and
fig. 3B-C illustrate different configurations of the control system.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a wind turbine 100 (WTG) comprising a tower 101 and a rotor 102 having at least one rotor blade 103, such as three blades. The rotor is connected to a nacelle 104, which nacelle 104 is mounted on top of a tower 101 and is adapted to drive an electrical generator located inside the nacelle via a drive train. The rotor 102 may rotate under the influence of wind. Rotational energy of the rotor blades 103 caused by the wind is transferred to the generator via the shaft. Accordingly, wind turbine 100 is able to convert kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy by means of rotor blades and subsequently convert it into electrical power by means of a generator. The generator may be connected with a power converter, which may be configured as a combination of a converter and a grid inverter. The converter converts the alternating current of the generator into direct current and the grid inverter converts the direct current into alternating current for injection into the utility grid via the output power terminals of the wind turbine 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates a wind turbine 100 including a plurality of controllers 202a-e arranged to control the functionality of the wind turbine, and a plurality of data storage units 211a-b arranged to store controller specific data. The data storage units are associated with at least one controller in a manner that allows controller-specific data and other data to be transferred between the data storage units 211a-b and one or more controllers 202a-e associated with the data storage units 211a-b. The transfer of data may be used to read data from data storage units 211a-b and/or write data to data storage units 211a-b.
Each particular controller 202a-e may have a particular data storage unit 211a-b. For example, the first controller 202a may have an associated memory cell 211a, and so on.
The data storage units 211a-b may be memory sticks and each controller 202 may have a connector for connecting to the data storage units. The connector may be integrated with the controller 202 or wired to the controller 202. However, the connection between the data storage unit 211 and the controller may be based on other connection methods including wireless connection (e.g., based on RF communication, optical communication, and other data communication methods).
The data storage units 211a-b may be physically connected to a location of the wind turbine (e.g., a location associated with pre-stored identification data stored in the data storage units), wherein the pre-stored identification data defines which function of the controllers 202a-e the data storage units are associated with.
The controller 202 is used to control functions of the wind turbine (such as pitch control, yaw control, monitoring operating parameters such as temperature). A single controller 202 may be dedicated to a particular function (e.g., pitch control or gearbox oil temperature monitoring). Alternatively, a single controller may perform multiple functions of the wind turbine and possibly different functions. In principle, a single controller, which may comprise a plurality of digital data processors or computing devices, may be used to control and monitor all or almost all of the functions of the wind turbine.
The controller 202 (which is essentially a computing device) is configured to process controller-specific computer programs (i.e., software) installed on the controller 202. The controller-specific computer program comprises algorithms required for performing control or monitoring of a given function of the wind turbine.
The controller-specific computer program may be a general-purpose program that may be configured for a specific function (e.g., pitch control), but is applicable to different wind turbine configurations. Different wind turbine configurations may include wind turbines configured with different types of blades 103 or other different generator types.
The general purpose computer program uses the controller specific data stored in the data storage unit 211 to perform a correct control or monitoring of the functions according to the specific wind turbine configuration. The controller specific data includes data related to a specific configuration of the wind turbine (e.g., the length of the rotor blade 103).
The wind turbine further comprises a control unit 201 communicatively connected with a connection interface 221. The connection interface 221 is arranged to connect with a programming enabling key 222.
The function of the control unit 201 is to detect whether a programming enable key 222 is connected to the connection interface 221, and in case such a connection is detected, to initiate a programming mode in which the control unit 201 is enabled to receive controller specific data.
As an example, the connection interface 221 may include a connection socket (such as an electrical socket). The programming enable key 222 may be a connection plug (such as an electrical plug) that mates with a connection socket. The connection socket and the plug are arranged such that it is possible to detect when the plug is inserted. For example, the plug may be configured to establish an electrical connection between two pins of the receptacle. The control unit 201 may be configured to monitor the two pins to detect an electrical connection, thereby detecting a connection between the connection interface 221 and the programming enable key 222.
Obviously, the connection of the connection interface 221 and the program enable key 222 may be configured in various ways. Examples include a wireless connection, where the connection interface is capable of detecting the presence of a programming-enabling key via radio frequency detection when the programming-enabling key is in the vicinity of the connection interface 221. Technologies for such detectable wireless connections include RFID technology.
In general, the connection interface 221 and the program enable key 222 utilize a connection technique that enables the control unit 201 to detect whether the program enable key 222 is present in the vicinity of the connection interface. Thus, the presence of the programming enable key 222 requires contact between the programming enable key 222 and the connection interface 221, or the programming enable key is near the connection interface 221 (e.g., within 1 meter).
The control unit 201 is arranged to initiate a programming mode in response to a detected contact between the programming enabling key 222 and the connector 221. The programming mode enables the control unit 201 to receive controller specific data.
The controller-specific data may be received in different ways (e.g., from a user interface). The user interface may comprise a keyboard connected to the control unit 201 or connectable to the control unit 201. The controller-specific data may be input via a keyboard by a manual action and transmitted to the control unit 201.
In another example, the controller-specific data is received from a trusted data source that is connected or connectable (e.g., via a data interface) to the control unit 201. The trusted data source includes verified controller-specific data. The trusted data source may be a detachable data source connected to the control unit 201 via a cable, or a remote data source connected to, for example, the internet.
Obviously, in response to the detected connection between the programming enable key 222 and the connection interface 221, the control unit 201 may receive other data than the controller-specific data. Such other data may be wind turbine specific data (e.g., in terms of a specific number of wind turbines) identifying a specific wind turbine configuration. Each or one or more of the control units 201, controllers 202a-e, or other computer devices may store a table of controller-specific data for one or more particular wind turbine configurations and wind turbine-specific data associated with those configurations. By using this table, the controller specific data may be determined (e.g. by the control unit 201) based on wind turbine specific data based on a table stored in a memory of the control unit 201 or elsewhere in another computer device or data storage. Alternatively, each of controllers 202a-e may be configured to retrieve controller-specific data from a stored table based on received wind turbine-specific data.
After receiving the controller specific data (i.e. all controllers 202a-e and possibly the data needed by the control unit 201), the control unit 201 processes the controller specific data in order to transfer the controller specific data to the storage units 211a-b, which data is stored in the storage units 211a-b.
For example, controller-specific data temporarily stored in the control unit 201 may be transferred to the data storage units 211a-b by sending the data to the distributed controllers 202a-e via the data communication switch 203. The controller-specific data for a particular controller 202a-e may include address information for that particular controller so that only data is sent to the intended controller 202a-e. The distributed controllers 202a-e may be configured to transmit received controller-specific data to one or more associated data storage units 202a-e and possibly extract relevant controller-specific data from a data packet comprising all controller-specific data.
The control unit 201 may need to be in a particular mode before being enabled to detect a connection with the programming enable key 222. For example, the control unit 201 may be set in a preprogrammed mode, wherein the control unit monitors the connection interface 221 for possible connection with the programming enabling key 222. Setting the control unit 201 in a preprogrammed mode may trigger a safe mode of the wind turbine, in which the various systems of the wind turbine are shut down or brought into a suitable state. The preprogrammed mode may trigger a wait mode of the controller 202 in which the controller 202 waits for controller specific data from the control unit 201.
The multiple controllers 202a-e may have the same hardware configuration, i.e., such that the controllers 202a-e are identical or substantially identical. In this way, production of wind turbine 100 is simplified and production inventory may be kept small. Further, by using removable data storage units 211a-b, controllers 202a-e may be replaced without replacing the associated data storage units 211 a-b. When the data storage units 211a-b are removable units, such as memory sticks, the full functionality of the associated controllers 202a-e is only available when one or more of the data storage units 211a-b are connected to one or more of the controllers 202a-e.
The data storage units 211a-b may contain pre-stored identification data. The identification data is stored in a data storage unit (e.g., in a production or assembly factory). In order to be able to determine the identity of the data storage unit in other ways (e.g. by visual inspection during commissioning of the wind turbine), the data storage units 211a-b may be provided with a specific color bar code uniquely associated with pre-stored identification data.
The identity of the data storage units 211a-b and the pre-stored identification data may be used to determine the intended function of the particular data storage unit 211a-b and its associated controller 202a-e. For example, when the data storage units 211a-b and associated controllers 202a-e are installed in a wind turbine and properly connected, the control unit 201 or other computer device connected to the control unit 201 may be able to obtain pre-stored identification data (e.g., via a request sent to the controllers 202 a-e). Using the obtained identification data, the control unit 201 can determine which controller-specific data should be transferred to each of the data storage units 211 a-b. Alternatively, where the controllers 202a-e are responsible for extracting controller-specific data from, for example, data packets of all controller-specific data sent from the control unit 201, each of the controllers 202a-e can determine which controller-specific data should be transferred to each of the data storage units 211 a-b.
Since the pre-stored identification data identifies the intended function of the associated controller 202a-e, the pre-stored identification data may additionally be used to determine which computer programs should be installed on the controller 202a-e. Accordingly, controller-specific computer programs may be installed on the controllers 202a-e based on pre-stored identification data. For example, the control unit 201 may be arranged to communicate controller specific computer programs to one or more controllers 202a-e. The correct computer program for a given controller 202a-e may be determined by: a request is sent from the control unit 201 or other computer device responsible for installing the computer program to the controllers 202a-e to reply to the requesting device with the identification data stored in the associated data storage unit 211 a-b. The control unit 201 or other computer device responsible for installing the computer program may store a table with links between different pre-stored identification data and the controller-specific computer program.
The transfer and installation of the computer program may be performed before the control unit 201 is enabled to initiate the programming mode (i.e. before the controller specific data is received). Since the installed computer program may contain functionality for supporting the storage of controller specific data, it may be advantageous to conduct the transfer of the computer program before the transfer of the controller specific data.
The wind turbine may also include a data communication switch 205, which data communication switch 205 may include a data input port connected to an external network, such as the internet. The data communication switch 205 may be used to access externally stored data (such as a table or database containing wind turbine and controller specific data and their associated or linked, a database containing controller specific computer programs). The data communication switch 205 may also be used to access a trusted data source to retrieve controller specific data or wind turbine specific data in response to a detected connection to the programming enable key 222.
If the programming enabling key 222 is accidentally removed or the connection between the programming enabling key 222 and the contact interface 221 is lost for some reason during the incomplete programming mode, the control unit 201 may be arranged to stop the programming mode and to start the safety mode. The secure mode may restart the pre-programming mode so that a new programming mode may be started or the control unit 201 may be caused to start other related programs.
The control unit 201 may be connected to a computer device (not shown) supporting the functions of the control unit 201 or supplementing the control unit 201 with functions not performed by the control unit 201. For example, such a computer device may support, in whole or in part, the operation of the functions of the user interface 302.
Fig. 3A shows a control system 301 comprising a connection interface 221 and a control unit 201. In addition, control system 301 may include one or more controllers 202a-e and one or more data storage units 211a-c. Fig. 3A also shows a user interface 302, which user interface 302 may be connected to or included in the control unit 201 or other computer device (not shown) of the control system 301. A data interface 303 is also shown that serves as an alternative or in addition to the user interface 302.
Fig. 3B shows a possible configuration of a control system 301 with one controller 202, in which case the controller 202 also constitutes the control unit 201. Thus, a single controller 202 serves both the functions of the control unit 201 and the functions of one or more controllers 202 a-e. Thus, monitoring of the contact interface 221 and detection of the connection to the programming enable key 222 is performed by the controller 202. One or more of the data storage units 211a-c may be associated with the controller 202.
Fig. 3C shows a general configuration of a control system 301 having one or more controllers 202a-b, a connection interface 221, a control unit 201, and one or more data storage units 211a-C. For example, two data storage units 211a-b may be associated with a single controller 202a, and one data storage unit 211c may be associated with one or possibly more controllers 202 b-e.
Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited in any way to the examples presented. The scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the term "comprising" or "comprises" does not exclude other possible elements or steps. In addition, references to references such as "a" or "an" are not to be construed as excluding plural. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims may be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.
Claims (14)
1. A control system (301) for a wind turbine (100), the wind turbine comprising at least one controller (202 a-e) arranged to control a function of the wind turbine, and a detachable data storage unit (211 a-b) arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is connected to the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller, the control system (301) comprising:
-a connection interface (221), the connection interface (221) being arranged to connect with a programming enabling key (222) according to the presence of said programming enabling key in the vicinity of the connection interface, said programming enabling key being a device connectable to the connection interface; and
-a control unit (201), the control unit (201) being arranged to detect a connection between the programming-enabling key and a connection interface and to initiate a programming mode in response to the detection and when the programming-enabling key is connected to the connection interface, wherein the control unit is enabled to receive the controller-specific data from the data storage unit or wind turbine-specific data from which the controller-specific data can be determined, wherein the control unit is arranged to stop the programming mode and to initiate a safety mode in case the control unit detects a disconnection of the programming-enabling key before the programming mode is completed.
2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (201) is arranged to process the controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data such that the controller-specific data or wind turbine-specific data is stored in the storage unit (211 a-b).
3. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection interface (221) is arranged to connect with the programming enabling key (222) according to contact and/or wireless communication between the programming enabling key and the connection interface (221).
4. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (201) comprises or is connectable with a user interface (302), wherein the user interface is arranged to receive the controller specific data or the wind turbine specific data via a manual action.
5. A control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit comprises or is connectable to a data interface (303), wherein the data interface is arranged to receive the controller-specific data or the wind turbine-specific data via a connection with a trusted data source.
6. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to be set to a preprogrammed mode enabling the control unit (201) to detect a connection between the connection interface (221) and the programming enabling key (222).
7. A control system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (201) is arranged to put the wind turbine into a safe mode when the control unit is in the preprogrammed mode.
8. The control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller specific data comprises operating parameters required to process a controller specific computer program installed in the at least one controller (202 a-e).
9. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (201) is arranged to communicate a controller specific computer program to the at least one controller (202 a-e) before enabling the control unit to initiate the programming mode.
10. The control system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit (201) is arranged to communicate the controller specific computer program to the at least one controller in accordance with identification data pre-stored in the data storage unit.
11. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wind turbine comprises a plurality of data storage units (211 a-b), wherein each data storage unit is associated with a specific controller (202) of the at least one controller (202 a-e) to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the associated data storage unit and the specific controller.
12. A wind turbine (100), comprising:
at least one controller (202 a-e) arranged to control the functions of the wind turbine,
-a data storage unit (211 a-b) arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is associated with the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller, and
-a control system (301) according to claim 1.
13. Wind turbine according to claim 12, wherein each data storage unit (211 a-b) is physically connected to a specific location of the wind turbine.
14. A method for configuring a wind turbine (100), the wind turbine comprising: at least one controller (202 a-e) arranged to control the functions of the wind turbine; a detachable data storage unit (211 a-b) arranged to store controller specific data for the at least one controller, wherein the data storage unit is connected to the at least one controller to enable transfer of the controller specific data between the data storage unit and the at least one controller; and a programming enable key, which is a device connectable to the connection interface, the method comprising
Detecting a connection between a programming enabling key (222) and a connection interface (221) based on the presence of said programming enabling key in the vicinity of said connection interface,
responsive to said detection, and when said programming-enabling key is connected to said connection interface, initiating a programming mode, wherein a control unit (201) is enabled to receive said controller-specific data from said data storage unit or wind turbine-specific data from which said controller-specific data can be determined,
-stopping the programming mode and starting a safety mode in case the control unit detects the opening of the programming enabling key before the programming mode is completed, and
-obtaining said controller specific data or said wind turbine specific data via manual action or via a trusted data source.
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| DKPA201770912 | 2017-12-06 | ||
| PCT/DK2018/050317 WO2019110062A1 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2018-12-03 | Configuration of wind turbine controllers |
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| WO2021139862A1 (en) * | 2020-01-06 | 2021-07-15 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Configuration of a wind turbine system |
| EP4152109A1 (en) * | 2021-09-16 | 2023-03-22 | Wobben Properties GmbH | Control and method for a wind turbine and computer program |
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| US5936529A (en) | 1997-07-24 | 1999-08-10 | Elmo-Tech Ltd. | Electronic monitoring system |
| KR20090101440A (en) | 2006-10-20 | 2009-09-28 | 사우스웨스트 윈드파워, 인크. | Method and system for deriving wind speed in a stall controlled wind turbine |
| DE102009007623A1 (en) * | 2009-02-05 | 2010-08-19 | Repower Systems Ag | Parameterization of wind turbines |
| WO2011023774A2 (en) * | 2009-08-28 | 2011-03-03 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Wind turbine data acquisition system |
| US7948103B2 (en) | 2009-09-03 | 2011-05-24 | General Electric Company | Method and system for verifying wind turbine operation |
| WO2011099147A1 (en) * | 2010-02-12 | 2011-08-18 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Wind power generation device handy terminal, wind power generation device, and wind power generation site |
| JP5073053B2 (en) * | 2010-02-18 | 2012-11-14 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Handy terminal for wind turbine generator |
| EP2855927B1 (en) * | 2012-06-04 | 2019-01-16 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Control system for a wind turbine |
| CA2810823A1 (en) | 2013-03-28 | 2014-09-28 | John Brandon Graham-Knight | Method, system and apparatus for accessing and managing a plurality of wind turbines via a network |
| US20160080902A1 (en) | 2013-04-25 | 2016-03-17 | Aktiebolaget Skf | Mobile communication device including positioning means and method for using positioning coordinates to automatically serve service personnel with machine service information |
| TWI530645B (en) * | 2013-09-18 | 2016-04-21 | 台達電子工業股份有限公司 | Fan control system |
| DE102015200209A1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2016-07-14 | Wobben Properties Gmbh | Authorization procedure for control access to wind turbines and interface of wind turbines and certification authority |
| US9926913B2 (en) | 2015-05-05 | 2018-03-27 | General Electric Company | System and method for remotely resetting a faulted wind turbine |
| GB2545719B (en) | 2015-12-23 | 2018-06-06 | Moog Unna Gmbh | System and method for controlling a wind turbine |
| CN107179723A (en) | 2017-07-10 | 2017-09-19 | 辽宁大唐国际新能源有限公司 | Wind electric field blower remote control authentication device and method based on iris recognition technology |
| WO2019110062A1 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2019-06-13 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Configuration of wind turbine controllers |
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